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Are You Ready For Some Football?

eastwickpress — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:40:50 +0000

Friday Night Under The Lights
by Bea Peterson
The HFCS Football Season begins Friday, September 3, at 7 pm at home against Corinth. The new bleachers and press box are in place. There is a classy white fence trimming the field. The food bar, a fairly recent addition, is set to go. The only hang up may be the weather. It will be in the 80s until the sun goes down, and there is a possibility of rain. Fans will just have to wait and see.
Ready To Go
Coach Ron Jones said his players are ready to go. “It isn’t going to be easy,” he said. “You never know what team is going to pop up and be pretty good. We have to take it one week at a time. In the off season you work to be the best in the State. This week we have to worry about Corinth. We’ve worked very hard. We have goals, but we’ve got to prove it every week. We’ve got to perform. Last year every player played in the quarterfinal game. They know what it’s like to be in a big game before a big crowd.” No doubt they want that opportunity again.

The HFCS football team went through maneuvers on Tuesday in 90 degree heat, determined to give it the best they have on Friday night. (Bea Peterson photo)

Jones said, “We don’t have the offensive line we’ve had in the past. They’re a work in progress, but they’re very motivated and a fun group to work with. We’ll do the best we can.”
Those That Are Back, Those That Are Gone
One player that has stepped up has been senior Steve Colvin, said Jones. “He moved from wide receiver to defensive end and offensive tackle because it was better for the team. He’s very strong, very physical and he’s very good with the younger guys.” Quarterback/linebacker senior Mike Brewster is ready to set some school records this year. Both Tanner Williams and Brad Burns are back. They are running backs and slot receivers. “They’ll be rotating on the field. They look great, they’re very explosive. They are both honor students and both athletic. No problem there.”
“Both David Couch and Garrett Foster are back on the offensive line,” said Jones. “We’re not as big as we were, but for our size we’re strong and move pretty well.”
Jones said he has a lot of good players, “but there are not enough footballs to go around. Fortunately many of the players have been together for a while, and they understand.”
The team lost eight graduating players from last year’s roster. “Every one of them was a contributor,”

Coach Josh Fumas shows the players how he wants them to move in practice on Tuesday. (Bea Peterson photo)

said Jones. He is pleased that Jake Colliano, a freshman at Hudson Valley Community College is helping coach the team. Colliano’s goal is to be a physical education teacher and coach. “He’s a good leader,” said Jones.
He ticked off his other graduating players. Kevin McMahon will be playing basketball at SUNY Cortland, Greg Stifter is playing wide receiver for Mansfield U in Pennsylvania, Logan O’Brian is there, too. Pat Mulvihill and Connor Hemeon are at Utica College. Alex Hansen and Steve Moseley are also at HVCC.
No Jug Match
Unfortunately there will be no match between Cambridge and Hoosick Falls this year for the Ken Baker Jug. “Cambridge is Class D, and this year there are an even number of teams in the Class, so there will be no cross-over games,” said Jones. Too bad. That is one match-up everyone always wants to see. Maybe next year.
Regular season home games will be this Friday, September 3, Friday, September 24, against Granville and Friday, October 15, against Lake George. Away games are September 10 against Mechanicville, 7 pm, September 17 against Greenwich, 7 pm, October 2 against Hoosic Valley, 1 pm, and October 9 against Fonda, 1 pm. Sectional Quarterfinal or Crossover games begin October 22.
The team was previewed on Channel 13 Tuesday. An extended interview can be viewed on the television station’s website.
So, as the season begins, let’s hear it – GO PANTHERS!!

Working on the running game during a practice scrimmage. (Bea Peterson photo)

Former HFCS quarterback and Coach Ron Jones goes through drills with his quarterbacks. (Bea Peterson photo)

NLCS District Consolidates Bus Routes

eastwickpress — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:20:16 +0000

by Phillip Zema
At the New Lebanon School Board meeting on September 1, Transportation Supervisor Mary Mabb announced that the number of District bus routes has been reduced from 19 to 15. She added that while some of the routes might become slightly longer, the time difference would not be substantial. And since Mabb is also the Transportation Supervisor for Schodack Central School, she is developing a system where New Lebanon and Schodack can select substitute bus drivers from the same pool. By doing so, both Districts would have more driver options and substitutes would receive more opportunities to work.
NLCS Is Preparing Its Students For Future Economy
The New Lebanon School District is enthusiastic about preparing its students for the 21st century global economy. Several faculty members talked about the need to integrate 21st century skill-sets into the classroom. In a PowerPoint® presentation, Principal Leslie Whitcomb highlighted the radical changes taking place in the workforce. With advances in technology and entrepreneurship, the job market is changing; the top 10 fastest growing jobs in 2010 did not even exist in 2004. The demand for students with degrees, especially Associates Degrees in technology and science, is growing rapidly. She emphasized that even with Associate Degrees students in these fields are earning lucrative salaries.
Whitcomb said that students need to enhance their skill-sets in order to meet the demands of the new job arena. Not only must students be well grounded in the basics (reading, writing and arithmetic), but they must also demonstrate the “four Cs” – creativity, corroboration, critical thinking and communication. That is, students must be diligent, have a great work ethic, be able to work in teams and be able to adapt to a rapidly changing work environment. Advances in science and technology require students to be adaptable to different job markets. She added that having a 21st century skill-set will help them thrive in the workforce. The District, accordingly, must take further measures to integrate such skills into the curriculum.
Also, Technology Teacher Rick Jason gave a presentation regarding the growing field of nanotechnology. This hundred billion dollar industry is only growing, as nanotechnology is used extensively in computers, technology and other practical industries such as blemish-free paint and scratch-free eyewear. Area schools are implementing this science into their curriculum, and Jason was optimistic that New Lebanon could have its own nanotechnology course by next year. The course will either last 20 or 40 weeks.
Update On The Union Free School
Debbie Gordon, of the Lebanon Valley Historical Society (LVHS), discussed the latest developments regarding the Union Free School. She informed the Board that while the Union Free School Committee (UFSC) – a subcommittee of the LVHS – did not receive the Lowe’s grant, it was still in the running for the Environmental Protection Fund Grant. The Committee will likely hear in January or February whether it is awarded the grant. The committee is striving after several other lucrative grants and is establishing a fund raising campaign.
Gordon also said the building would likely function as a community center. Ideally, the building would provide a myriad of community services. For example, it could be used to mentor students, house after-school activities and host large community gatherings. It could even serve as a home for the historical society and its collection.
A recent State inspection revealed that there is little asbestos remaining in the old school building. The building’s furnace and windows (with asbestos glazing) contain the only remnants of the substance. The District was already aware that the furnace contained asbestos, so the window glazing was the only new discovery. If the District decides to demolish the building, asbestos abatement must take place first. It was discussed that abatement and demolition would cost an estimated $35-36k, and this figure could go higher.
There was concern over how long it would take to stabilize and/or renovate the building. There was also discussion about whether the Board ought to lay aside room in the budget to cover demolition costs. It was suggested that more information was necessary before any crucial decision was made.
Superintendent Karen McGraw said that the issue should be on the BOE’s agenda for the September 15 meeting. She said that at that time, the BOE will discuss whether it wants to further support the UFSC’s goal of restoring the school building by co-signing grant applications, etc.
Soccer Schedules Set For Fall Sports
Athletic Director Matt Klafehn provided an update on the upcoming sports season. He announced that the girls varsity soccer team will open its season with a scrimmage at Chatham on September 7 and the boys will have their home opener on the 8th against Greenwich. In coordination with New Lebanon’s opponents, he was able to schedule a number of nighttime home games. Some schools, however, due to time constraints, could only play their away games at 4 pm. Also, Klafehn announced that the NL tournament will be held on October 14-16, and the boys varsity basketball team will participate in the Coaches vs. Cancer tournament in Glens Falls.

Berlin Central School District Announces New Teachers

eastwickpress — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:18:34 +0000

The Interim Superintendent of the Berlin Central School District, Eileen Leffler, has announced the addition of five teachers to the District school staff.
Noting that none are replacing the teacher position eliminated last year, Mrs. Leffler said the teachers, one of which is half time, are in the fields of special education, speech therapy, English and art.
Working with Students with Disabilities, Laura Garry joins the Middle/High School from Berne-Knox-Westerlo CSD and Capital Region BOCES. She received her education from the College of St. Rose and the University of Albany.
Danyelle Meyers will be teaching English at the Middle/High School. She worked previously in the Greenwich Central School District and attended college at Russell Sage and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in Education.
Heather Riccardi’s assignment is as Speech Therapist at the Berlin Elementary School.
Certified in Visual Arts, Samantha Noles will teach art half time at the Middle/High School while she pursues her Master’s Degree at the College of St. Rose in Childhood Education and Special Education. Samantha was a student teacher in Berlin Central and has also been a substitute in Berlin since January 2010.
Filling in for a teacher on leave, Christina Hasel will teach art at the Middle/High School. Also certified in Visual Arts, Christina received her Bachelor’s Degree in Science from State University of NY at Plattsburgh in Art (Photography) and her Master’s from The College of Saint Rose in Art Education. Previously Christina taught at the Early Childhood Education Center.
“All are eagerly awaiting the new school year in Berlin and the opportunity to work with our students,” Mrs. Leffler said. “We are fortunate to have such talented teachers join our staff, and we extend a warm welcome to them.”
Laura Garry said that what she liked most about children is that “They’re fun, willing to learn and excited about life.”
Danyelle Meyers attributes her Berlin High School experience and relationships with her teachers with inspiring her to teach and is looking forward to “enjoying the journey through English with her students.”
Christina Hasel said she is excited about creating a space for students’ creativity and offers this advice – “Give learning a chance; be open-minded about your learning.”
Samantha Noles added that as children have different backgrounds and degrees of motivation, she welcomes the challenge of meeting their individual needs. She tells her students, “You don’t have to be an artist to do well in art class; just try your best.”
All the new teachers agree that parents can help their children by being involved, supportive, patient and by checking their work to see what they’re doing and how they’re doing it so they can be there to help as much as possible. The school year begins in Berlin on September 8.
For more information, go to the Berlin Central School District website at www.berlincentral.org.

Berlin Central School District welcomed new teachers at orientation. They are (l to r) Danyelle Meyers, Christina Hasel, Samantha Noles and Laura Garry. Missing from the picture is Heather Riccardi. Photo courtesy of Eileen Leffler.

St. Mary’s Academy Welcomes New Principal

eastwickpress — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:13:24 +0000

St. Mary’s Academy is pleased to announce that Maureen Daurio will be joining St. Mary’s as Principal for the upcoming school year. Maureen was born and raised in Troy where she attended St. Augustine’s School and Catholic Central High School. She received her BA from Russell Sage College and her MA from SUNY Albany. She completed her Certification in Administration for the Building Level as well as the District Level through the Institute for New Era Educational Leadership and Innovation at the College of Saint Rose. Maureen has a strong background in teaching and has been a middle school social studies and religion teacher in the Albany Diocese for ten years.
The St. Mary’s community looks forward to the upcoming school year and welcomes the experience and enthusiasm that Maureen brings.

SMA Board Member Mary Jo Loughlin, new SMA Principal Maureen Daurio and Board Member Margaret Restino. Photo by Marilyn Douglas.

HFCS Golf Team Wins First Two Matches

eastwickpress — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:55:55 +0000

by Bea Peterson
Hoosick Falls Central School Golf Coach Pam Hatfield is pleased that her team is doing so well at the start of the season. On Tuesday, August 31, they golfed against Hoosic Valley on their home course, the Battenkill Country Club. In the match play HF’s Jordan Colvin was even with HV’s Kevin White. HF’s Kealan Hitt was 1 up on HV’s Frank Acker. HF’s Todd Rogers, 2-1 over HV’s Matt Espey. HF’s James Lynch was 3-1 against HV’s Ryan Heslin. HF’s Mitchell Andrew was 4-3 over HV’s John Houston. The victory belonged to Hoosick Falls, 3½ to ½.
The Wednesday match, September 1, against Tamarac, contested at Freer Park, was closer with HF winning 3½ to 2½. “We were tied after five,” said Coach Hatfield. “Our sixth player, Eric Bloomer, won his match against Matt Whalen 4-3 and put us in the win!”
Other scores were HF’s Jordan Colvin and Tamarac’s Dan O’Brien, tied. Ben Gardenier defeated the Panthers’ Todd Rogers 2-1. Brendan Griffin took HF’s Kealan Hitt 4-3. HF’s James Lynch was 1 up over Anthony Giamci and HF’s Mitchell Andrew was 2 up on Jimmy Hudson.

HFCS PTA Kicks Off 2010-2011 Year

eastwickpress — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:51:20 +0000

The Hoosick Falls Central School Parent Teacher Association (PTA), a group of involved, caring and committed moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, teachers, administrators and alumni, is underway with the new school year. PTA has been active all summer preparing for the year, and they are helping to ease students and teachers back to school at open houses and other activities.
The PTA will continue to make a difference in 2010-2011 by giving $100 to each grade level for extra supplies, by hosting several family oriented events like Fall Festival, Family Fun Bingo, appreciation days, the monthly food coop, and the holiday gift shop, by volunteering time and by offering funding for countless programs and events and much more.
The PTA will hold business meetings ten times a year. Meetings this year will be held in the HFCS Elementary School Library from 6:30 to 8 pm on September 15, October 20, November 10, December 15, January 19, February 16, March 16, April 13, May 18 and June 1. The Executive Officers are excited about what PTA members can do for the school and the children in our school district and want to remind people that although attending meetings is beneficial, having involvement away from the meetings is most important! Members who aren’t able to join the meetings help in other ways, too. They volunteer their time at events, donate gifts and supplies and are financially supportive with their $5 membership dues.
The team of officers leading with lots of enthusiasm this year is – President Heather St. Hilaire, Vice President Tracey Niles, Treasurer Laurie Gormley, Secretary Sarah Steller and teacher representatives Gina Harrison (Junior/Senior High School) and Margaret Stevens (Elementary School).
If you would like to become a member or wish to learn more about the PTA and its programs, please attend the first meeting on September 15 or contact Membership Chair Andrea Lane at 518-686-0734.

HFCS Meeting On Student Handbook

eastwickpress — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:15:50 +0000

The Hoosick Falls Central School District will hold a public meeting to present and discuss the Hoosick Falls School’s Parent/Student Handbook on Tuesday, August 31, at 9 am in the auditorium. Parents and Students are encouraged to attend.
In the event you are unable to attend please feel free to contact Stacy Vadney, 7-12 Principal, at 686-7321 extension 1506 with any questions you may have in regards to the HFCS Student/Parent Handbook.

Mausert Resigns From HFCS Board

eastwickpress — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:22:27 +0000

by Alex Brooks
Hoosick Falls School Board Member Rye Mausert submitted his resignation prior to this week’s monthly meeting, and the Board accepted it at the meeting. Mausert was not present at the meeting and no information was offered as to why he resigned at this time.
The School Board is actively seeking people who might be interested in an appointment to this seat. Those who are interested are asked to send a letter of interest to the District Clerk.
State Of The Schools
The School Board began with a lengthy presentation on the “State of the Schools.” Overall, the numbers showed a picture of a school that has been steadily improving over the last three years.
Regents
The percentage of students passing the Regents test has increased every year for the past three years. In 06-07 72% passed, in 07-08 81% passed; in 08-09 86% passed; and this past year 88% passed. This fell just short of the Board’s goal of a 90% passing rate, and the board set the same goal of a 90% passing rate for the upcoming year.
The percentage of students achieving mastery on the Regents exams has also been rising steadily, from 18% in 06-07 to 21% in 07-08 to 32% in 08-09 to 36% this past year. The Board had set a goal of 30% for this year, and having exceeded it, they set a goal of 40% for the upcoming year.
The graduation rate for the past year was 83%, which was the highest of the last four years, but did not meet the Board’s goal of 90%. Superintendent Facin noted that students who got their high school diploma by passing the GED test or through an IEP diploma are not counted in figuring the graduation rate. If those were counted the rate would be about 10% higher.
The District’s GED program has been increasingly successful over the three years that it has been operating. The first year, five out of the 16 students enrolled in the program passed the test; the next year 19 of the 27 students enrolled passed the test; and this year 12 out of 14 passed.
Disciplinary referrals were cut in half from the 08-09 year to the 09-10 year. High School Principal Stacy Vadney gave a lot of credit for this to Assistant Principal Brett Lamy. Superintendent Facin pronounced it “amazing.”
The report also noted that the ranking of HFCS in the Capital District Business Review’s evaluation of the quality of Capital District public schools has risen for the past two years. In 06-07, it was ranked #63 among the 85 schools evaluated.. In 07-08 it was #49, and in 08-09 it was #45.
Board member Dwain Wilwol complimented the school administrators on the State of the Schools report, saying it was clear and comprehensive, the best report of its kind he had ever seen, Superintendent Facin thanked him for his kind words, and said there will be some public presentations of the State of the School Report in the community, perhaps at the Firehouse.
New Teachers
Superintendent Facin said the greatest weaknesses in the testing results were in the area of Social Studies and Math. He has responded by arranging to create two new teaching positions, one in Social Studies and one in AIS Math, which will be funded by the Federal government through Title 1 ARRA funds. These are two year appointments, which are fully funded for both years. Laura Edick, who has been working in the district as a long-term substitute teacher, was hired for the AIS Math position, and Sabrina Graham was hired for the Social Studies position.
Tax Rates Set
Tax rates for this year’s school tax were approved at this month’s meeting. Although the tax levy is exactly the same as last year, tax rates in most of the towns were slightly up, probably because the total value of all taxable property in the District fell by over 4% in the past year. The tax rates per thousand of assessed valuation are these:
Grafton: $205.61 up 0.7%
Hoosick: $62.36 up 0.9%
Petersburgh: $30.35 up 2.9%
Pittstown: $27.89 up 4.8%
White Creek $30.61 down 2.8%
Transfers Into Reserve Funds
The Board put money into various reserve funds from the unexpended balance left over from the 09-10 school year. They put $174,400 into the Bus Reserve Fund, and $98,976 into the Reserve for Terminal Pay, and $243,600 into the Reserve for Retirement Incentive, and $70,590 into the Unemployment Reserve, and $550,000 into the Debt Service Fund
New Funds On The Horizon
Superintendent Ken Facin said the Federal government has approved a $10 billion education jobs program. The District has not yet heard any details of how this is going to be implemented, but an estimate put out by Senator Schumer’s office said the Hoosick Falls District would get something in the neighborhood of $400,000 from this program. Facin said you have to be careful with these kinds of windfalls, because if you hire more teachers, then in a subsequent year when the Federal funding isn’t there, you would either have to lay off the new teachers or pay them with local funds. He said he is considering creating one-year positions to explicitly acknowledge that the funding is temporary. He summed up by saying, “We will use these funds to improve student results.”
In addition, this week Federal education officials announced that New York will be awarded $700 million in “Race to the Top” funds, but it is not known yet how that funding may become available to the local districts.
PTA
Laurie Gormley said the new officers of the PTA have met twice this summer to plan their budget and activities for the upcoming school year. The officers are: Heather St. Hilaire, President; Tracy Niles, Vice President; Laurie Gormley, Treasurer, and Sarah Steller, Secretary.
Other
The Board approved the annual agreement with the Hoosick Falls Soccer Club for the use of their fields. The District will pay $5,000 for the period from now through November.
The Board appointed Paul Baker as provisional Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds, replacing John Nealon, who is retiring.
The next regular meeting of the School Board will be September 16 at 7 pm in the High School Cafeteria.

Hoosick Falls Central School Opens Tuesday, September 7

eastwickpress — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:49:31 +0000

Wednesday, September 1, and Thursday, September 2, are Superintendent Conference Days – no students.
Wednesday, September 1 – Open House For Grades K-1 (6:30-8:30 pm).
Students in grades K – 12 will begin with a full day of instruction on Tuesday, September 7. Breakfast and lunch will be provided as usual. Students should follow their regular bus assignments and schedules.
Here are some helpful hints for the opening days of school:
1. Every year, all free/reduced applications must be filled out and returned before the first day of school. Any questions, contact Heather Brooks at 686-7321, Ext. 1708.
2. Have your children at their bus stops 5-10 minutes early each day.
3. If you cannot walk your child to the designated bus stop, have a responsible older child do so.
4. Meet and get to know your child’s bus driver. K-1-2 students must have a designated responsible person at the bus stop for pick-up. Please be sure to come to the bus stop so your child can identify you to the bus driver. If no one is at the bus stop for pick-up, your child will be brought back to school and you must come to school and pick them up.
5. Insure that your child knows his/her bus number. Please be sure to let us know as soon as possible if you have changed your location or your children are going to a new baby-sitter. This is particularly important for a younger student, in grades k, 1, 2 or 3.
6. Reinforce bus safety with your child.
7. Label all your child’s possessions.
8. Insure that our school nurse and the Elementary office have emergency telephone numbers in case you need to be reached.
9. Always feel you can contact the Elementary (686-9492) or High School (686-7321) offices for information.

Hoosick Falls Central School District 2010 – 2011 School Year Calendar

eastwickpress — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:48:36 +0000

Sept. 1, 2010   – Grades K-1 Open House (6:30-8:30 pm)
Sept. 1, 2010   – Superintendent Conference Day – no students
Sept. 2, 2010   – Superintendent Conference Day – no students
Sept. 6, 2010   – Labor Day – No School
Sept. 7, 2010   – First Day of School for students grade k-12
Sept. 8, 2010   – Grades 2-3 Open House (6:30-8:30 pm.)
Sept. 9, 2010   – Grades 4-5-6 Open House (6:30-8:30 pm)
Sept. 28, 2010 – Grades 7-12 Open House (6:30-8:30 pm)
Oct. 11, 2010 – Columbus Day – No School
Nov. 10, 2010 – Emergency Release Day – (Closing Drill)
Grades 7-12 at 2 pm/K-6 at 3 pm
Nov. 11, 2010 – Veterans Day – No School
Nov. 12, 2010 – Superintendent Conference Day – (No Students)Nov. 17-18-19, 2010 – Grades. K-6 Parent/Teacher Conferences
(1/2 Day Sessions)
Nov. 24-25-26, 2010 – Thanksgiving Vacation
(School Resumes Nov. 29)
Dec. 23 – Jan. 2 , 2011 – Christmas Recess
(School Resumes Jan. 3, 2011)
Jan. 17, 2011 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Holiday) – No School Jan. 31, 2011 – Superintendent Conference Day – (No Students)
Feb. 21-22-23-24-25, 2011 – Mid-Winter Recess
(School Resumes Feb. 28, 2011)
Mar. 24-25,2011 – Grades K-6 Parent/Teacher Conferences
(1/2 Day Sessions)
Apr. 18-19-20-21-22, 2011 – Spring Recess
(School Resumes Apr. 15, 2010)
May 30, 2011 – Memorial Day Holiday – No School
June 15 – June 22, 2011 – Local Finals and Regents Testing
June 22 – 23, 2011 – Grades K-6 Early Dismissal
(1/2 Day Sessions)
June 17, 2011 – Kindergarten Celebration – 9 am
(Last Day Of School For Kindergarten Students)
June 23, 2011 – Last Day Of School for Grade 1-6 Students
June 24, 2011 – Superintendent Conference Day
(Last Day For Teachers)
June 24, 2011 – High School Graduation
School Hours
The Elementary School day will begin at 8:35 am and end at 3:20 pm. The high school (grades 7-12) will begin at 7:30 am and end at 2:15 pm.
The “before school” Child Care Program will begin on the first day of school, September 7, no earlier than 7:15 am. Children must be brought into the building to the elementary cafeteria where parents will be required to sign their children) into the program each day. Children cannot be dropped off at the curb to enter the building on their own.
Students not enrolled in the “before school” Child Care Program cannot be dropped off at school before 8:30 am.
k-6                                          7-12
Buses Arrive                                                     8:30                                         7:30
Attendance & Instruction                       8:45 – 3:20                            7:30 – 2:15
Student Dismissal                                         3:20                                           2:15
Student Pick-Up         3:35
Extracurricular, Detention                  3:20 – 4:20                               2:20 – 4:20
(Mon. – Thurs. only) No late buses on Friday